Celebrating Denmark's Constitution Day 2018

Danish Ambassador Jan Top Christensen

Ever since the reopening the Embassy of Denmark in Manila almost four years ago, my awareness of Denmark has become more than just the birthplace of Lego and Hans Christian Andersen. In just a few years, the various cultural events of the embassy has increased my knowledge about this Nordic country.

After having to miss it last year, I was extremely pleased to make it in this year’s Constitution Day held at the Enderun College. An early outpouring of rain failed to dampen the celebratory spirit as the guests enjoyed various cheeses from Arla, and Dansk sausages from Leo Sørensen’s Sausage Factory, among other delectable treats served on that night. 

One of the main highlights of the evening was Ambassador Jan Top Christensen’s speech in which he announced that due to the deepening and broadening relations between the Philippines and Denmark, as evidenced by more Filipinos traveling there, the Philippines will soon open an embassy in Copenhagen. He mentioned the recent visits of two important delegations from Denmark, their Foreign Policy Committee and a business delegation headed by the Minister of Business Affairs. Bulk of his speech touched upon improving the peace situation in Mindanao, making the Philippines attractive to Danish companies, Denmark’s favorable view of a number of the actions by the Duterte administration, and also how the embassy is engaging with the Philippines at all levels through financial contributions to UN-agencies, Danish NGO’s engaging with various sectors, etc.

Ambassador Jan Top Christensen and RAd

But what really got me excited was when the Ambassador announced the upcoming publication of Jose Rizal’s translation of five of Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tales. To be published by Anvil Publishing House, this illustrated book will not only have English and Tagalog text, but will also feature articles for added historical context. He also mentioned plans for the 4^th Danish Film Festival in September with the aim of having more screenings outside of Metro Manila.

Too bad that I wasn’t able to brush up on my Danish geography, or I would’ve had a chance to bring home a Lego set if I answered the questions correctly. If it had been a music question, especially about Danish composer Carl Nielsen, I would’ve nailed it. I comforted myself a Lego set in next year’s celebration of Denmark’s Constitution Day.